For Such a Time as This
Advent 2 (Narrative Lectionary 1)
December 7, 2014
Grace, Mankato, MN
Esther 4.1-17
The story of Esther is rich, full of drama, intrigue, and even some buffoonery. The brief introduction that Audrey read should give you some orientation, but I encourage you to read the whole book; it’s a wonderful story. A couple of points are helpful to keep in mind: though the book is placed in the first half of the Old Testament, historically and chronologically it falls near the end. In fact, it’s less than 500 years before Jesus arrives. The Babylonians (modern day Iraq)—who had destroyed Jerusalem and carried off the Jews—have been succeeded by the Persians (modern day Iran). Although some Jews returned home to resettle Israel, many chose to remain in the lives they have made there.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about Esther is the explicit absence of God and any references to Jewish traditions or festivals. I really like this because it seems to make Esther more accessible and relevant for the life of faith, because this is how I experience everyday life. As an Old Testament scholar notes, it’s the kind of life “when water doesn’t come from rocks and angels don’t come for lunch.” So, we believe that God is behind the scenes and we can only see God’s hand indirectly.
The story of Esther raises an important question of how God works in the world and how our lives join in with that work. Sometimes people think that the life of faith is like God writing, producing and directing a screenplay where we follow a script down to the very last letter. However, I think the life of faith is more like improvisational theater, where God sets the framework and characters and then let’s the action unfold. Although we are making it up as we go along, God is indirectly influencing the action. And when we mess it up God says, “That’s okay, I can still work with that; in fact, I can make that work for us.”
What’s wonderful about this uncertain certainty of God’s presence is that we are not alone. Mordecai and Esther have this terrific back and forth conversation as they are trying to figure their way forward in faith. Mordecai doesn’t invoke God’s name, but the basic point he makes to Esther is that perhaps she’s queen for a reason. Mordecai speaks the words that indicate this, words that are woven throughout the book: “For such as time as this.” There are no heavenly miracles here; instead Mordecai and Esther are to use their wits in the midst of great risk-taking.
I think this story fits well with the season of Advent and its various themes, especially the theme of active waiting and today’s subtheme, peace. Mordecai is absolutely sure that if this plan doesn’t work, deliverance will come from elsewhere. Yet, he firmly believes that God is acting in the midst of their situation, calling him and Esther to act as well. Eventually, Esther agrees. I think that this is good definition of active waiting. In this case, they actively wait for peace. Notice that neither Mordecai nor Esther have the power to make peace; however, they can influence those who do make peace. I’m reminded of those in East Germany who gathered in prayer 25 years ago for the Berlin wall to come down. Their movement grew and grew until the leaders were persuaded to tear down the wall.
As I look back on my life, although I didn’t see it at the time, I can see in many ways that how God shaped me as a pastor, thorough my confirmation experiences, my business and management training and my church work as a lay person. Many of those experiences included moments that weren’t my finest hours, but God used them in ways I couldn’t possibly imagine. Today, I’ll leave you with two questions for your own life of faith: How might God be preparing you to step forward in faith, to take some risks for the sake of peace? What parts of your brokenness will God use to bring about God’s purposes and new life for you and others? Our story is a part of God’s story, and we make it up as we go. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Amen.
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